NEWCASTLE EAGLES SIGN GB STAR FLINDER BOYD |
The former Dartmouth Ivy League graduate comes to the club after a five year career in France and Spain. Flinder started his professional career in 2002 at French Pro A club Le Havre and has since played in French Pro B with Mulhouse and Nantes, before a two year spell with Rosalia in the Spanish LEB. Flinders' last club attachment was with Leicester Riders, before joining the Great Britain national team last summer.
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Flinder played a key role in the GB programme at its first European Championship Finals in 32 years,. Although the team did not reach the final stages, the highlight of its group competition was without doubt the narrow loss to World and European Champions Spain, which saw the GB side 4 points ahead with three minutes to play.
Eagles coach Fab Flournoy believes that he already has a basis of a team to retain the BBL Championship title, but feels Boyd will give the team the added dimension it needs.
"Flinder is a player I have been keen to sign for a little while now. We have talked a lot recently and have monitored Flinders' rehabilitation. He is a much respected player and I think the type of character that is going to fit very easily into our system. He is also the type of guy that makes players around him better, which will be a real shot in the arm for us at this point in the season, both on and off the court".
Eagles' managing director Paul Blake expressed, 'I'm really pleased to see Flinder come to the club. He is an intelligent, likeable individual, who without question has proven his ability at domestic and international level. It is a real boost for the club and the league to have a potential 2012 representative participating on these shores.'
Boyd is expected to join the club on Monday 25th January as the club prepare for their home tie against Plymouth Raiders on Thursday 28th January.
GUILDFORD HEAT OFF TO A FLYING START IN 2010 |
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Guildford Heat made the best possible start to the New Year with a 104-88 win over bottom placed Essex Pirates and in the process moved into the play-off positions.
With both teams looking to get 2010 off to a winning start it was the visitors that began brightest. Former Sheffield Sharks and Worcester Wolves player Randy George scored the first points of the new decade as Pirates led 7-2. Heat responded through Chad McKnight (pictured) and Michael Martin to take their first lead of the match at 12-11. Threes from Kenny Langhorne and Martin kept Guildford on top as they ended the quarter 26-24 in front.
After a 6-2 Pirates run had put them 30-28 up the rest of the second quarter belonged to Guildford. A McKnight three kick-started a 20-4 burst to take the score to 48-34. Four straight points from Essex reduced the arrears before an 8-0 tear, with four from LA Drakeford, by Heat closed out the half 56-37 in the home team's favour.
Heat stretched out to 71-48 in the third quarter before Pirates put together a 16-7 run to get within 14 (78- 64). The teams shared the final points of the period to head into the last ten minutes of action with Guildford 80-66 ahead.
Pirates continued to fight hard, but the closest they could get was 84-72 before Heat sealed the match with a 15-4 burst to take the score to 99-78.
Guildford player-coach Chad McKnight, who led all scorers with an excellent 31-points, said: "It's a New Year and a new look for us. We're approaching it like a new season. We really want to pick things up and it was good to start off with a win. Essex made it really tough; they kept going for all 40 minutes. But we had balanced offence with five men scoring in double figures."
ROCKS AND RAIDERS GET WINS TO CLOSE 2009 |
There were two games in the BBL Championship to close out 2009 on Wednesday evening that saw the Glasgow Rocks move up into fifth position in the Championship table and the Airwaves Plymouth Raiders move themselves off of the foot of the foot as both teams ended the year with impressive victories over the Guildford Heat and Essex Pirates respectively.
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The Glasgow Rocks had to come-from-behind to pick up a 82-63 victory over the Heat at the Kelvin Hall. After a disappointing opening period from the Rocks which saw the Heat lead 11-22, the Rocks came out firing in the second quarter and 17 points from Rob Yanders helped the Rocks into a 36-26 lead off the back of a 22-4 run.
The Rocks continued to extend their lead throughout the remainder of the game and enjoyed their biggest lead at 76-53 midway through the final period and despite the Heat netting 10 of the final 16 points of the game, the Rocks secured the comfortable victory.
On the South Coast, the Raiders lifted themselves up into tenth position thanks to a 83-65 victory over the Pirates at the Plymouth Pavilions on Wednesday evening.
The Raiders led for the majority of the game but had to work hard in the early exchanges, but a 12- 4 tear from the home side sent them into a 69-53 lead early in the final period.
The Pirates tried valiantly to get themselves back into the game and trimmed the deficit back to ten points at 74-64, but a 9-1 burst to close out the game from the home side gave them the all-important victory.
TACK MINOR DEPARTS LEICESTER RIDERS |
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Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders point guard Tack Minor will not be returning to the club for the second half of the season, after the club and the player terminated his contract by mutual consent.
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Minor has led the Riders in scoring this season and was second in the BBL in scoring and top of the charts in assists.
Riders' coach Rob Paternostro said, "Tack has had some personal issues in the last few weeks which was affecting him and we all agreed that it would be best if he returned to the US to resolve these matters."
Paternostro continued, "He is an outstanding talent and the Riders wish him well for the future. Now it is up to the other guys to pull together, while we find a replacement."
Minor missed Riders controversial defeat at Worthing on Saturday, when Riders' captain LaTaryl Williams was called for an intentional foul in the dying seconds, with Riders ahead by a single point. Tack was tackling flu all last week and did not train.
Paternostro is now on the lookout for a replacement for the talented American with a work permit place now opened up.
Paternostro expects to have a new signing registered in time for Riders next game at home to Guildford Heat on 9th January 2010.
WORCESTER WOLVES LOSE COACH & 6 PLAYERS |
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READ THE STORY HERE ON THE WORCESTER NEWS WEBSITE
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BBL STATEMENT
Late last week the Worcester Wolves club made the BBL aware of a major problem that had arisen at the club relating to the coaching and playing staff.
The club reported that following last weekend’s games, during a post match analysis session, Coach Charles Evans had allegedly used inappropriate remarks when addressing the players. Mr Evans was immediately suspended by the club and, following a review of the matter through the club’s Disciplinary Procedures, was given a formal warning. Subsequently, Mr Evans has resigned from his post.
Six of the Wolves players are also currently the subject of ongoing disciplinary action by the Club due to a material breach of their playing contracts.
In light of the above the Wolves club are not currently in a position to fulfill their next 5 fixtures and, in accordance with BBL Rules, have been fined. Their away fixture against Guildford (Saturday 5th December) will now be replaced by a BBL Championship clash between the Heat and the Sheffield Sharks, with the Wolves’ next fixture to be away to the Sharks on the 3rd January 2010.
The new dates for the postponed games will be finalized in the coming days.
The BBL remain in regular contact with the Wolves management as they work through this difficult situation.
THREE SEMI-FINALISTS CONFIRMED EAGLES OUT |
All but one of the BBL Cup Semi Finalists are confirmed now, as the Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders came from behind to beat the Worcester Wolves, the Marshall MK Lions stormed to a high scoring 101-95 finish against the Airwaves Plymouth Raiders, and the Cheshire Jets pulled off a shock win, 64-61 against the Newcastle Eagles.
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The results for the Lions and the Jets set up a tie between these two sides in the Semi Finals, with the Riders facing the winner of the Everton Tigers/Sheffield Sharks game, to be played on Friday 20th November at the EIS in Sheffield.
Although the Eagles started the game against the Jets as the stronger of the two sides, the Jets began to find their feet in the second after they finished the first quarter 8-17 down. An 8-3 run meant that the deficit was now just four points at 16-20, but the Eagles' tight finish to the quarter meant that they went into the locker rooms with a slender six point lead at 28- 34.
In the second half, the home side continued to close the gap on their visitors, as Marks and Frank Phifer combined for 13 points, to give the Jets a 50-47 lead heading into the final stanza. Reggie Jackson knocked down two free throws for the Eagles to keep it at a one shot game, 64-61 to the Jets with 33.9 seconds remaining, but his three point attempt at the end hit the rim, to leave the Jets faithful with a win and a place in the BBL Cup final four.
The Riders will join them for the first time in their history, after a 96-87 win over the Worcester Wolves, who had beaten them 113-111 the week before. Leicester trailed by 18 points at the start of the third but after point guard Tack Minor was taken to hospital with an eye injury in the first half, Bradd Wierzbicki, who was covering at the point guard position, scored 15 of his 38 points in the final quarter and inspired a 13-0 run late in the final stanza to lead the Riders' charge to victory.
The Marshall MK Lions also secured their place in the final four of the competition they won in 2008, with a 95-101 away win against the Airwaves Plymouth Raiders behind 14 fourth quarter points from EJ Harrison. Neither side looked to have sealed the win throughout the game, but a 17-4 fourth quarter run from the Lions capped off by three free throws from Mike New and one from EJ Harrison, secured the victory.
Back to league action and Friday evening saw the Everton Tigers beat the Guildford Heat 84-72, the Sheffield Sharks convincingly beat the Cheshire Jets 97-76 on their home floor before going on to take the scalp of the Newcastle Eagles, 89-93 at the Metro Radio Arena. The Everton Tigers capped off a crucial weekend with two wins, as they comfortably sneaked past the Airwaves Plymouth Raiders to finish off a miserable weekend for the West Coast outfit, as they lost 81-102.
TIGERS GET THE BETTER OF THE WOLVES, JUST |
BBL Championship
Everton Tigers 84 (21,42,59) (Larkai 20, Gumbs 16, Babalola 13)
Worcester Wolves 83 (24,41,58) (Disy 20, Zabas 19, Uzkuraitis 15)
The Everton Tigers managed through to scrape through tonight on their home court at the Greenbank Sports Academy, as they saw off the Worcester Wolves 84-83. The Wolves had the better start of the two sides, albeit marginally, as a three pointer from Chey Christie put them 3-0 up straight away, but the Tigers first score then came from Olu Babalola to make it 2-3. The Wolves maintained a cushion lead until Dzaflo Larkai scored off a Kevin Bell assist to tie the scores at 10 a piece. The visitors then dominated proceedings to close out the quarter as the led by three points at the break 24-21.
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The second period was just as tight, as the Tiers got to within one point at 27-28, thanks to a Larkai score in the fourth minute. The game was then nip and tuck, with Worcester staying in front, until Larkai scored again to take his side ahead for the first time in the game at 33-32. The scoreboard then ticked over, with the scores being tied with 1:17 to go at 37 each, as the teams could barely be separated New Everton signing Steven Rush then hit a triple to put his side up 42-41 at the half.
The third quarter started with Simon Stewart making a lay up for the visitors, as they went 43-42 up within the first minute. An 18-6 run by the Wolves then saw them establish a 6 point lead at 56-50, but the Tigers refused to give up as they outscored their opponents 9-2 in the final three minutes to grasp the 84-83 victory.
They were led by Larkai (Pictyred leaft), who had a great game inside with 20 points and 10 rebounds, Jerome Gumbs got 16 points and 7 boards, and Olu Babalola matching him for rebounding, as well as adding 13 points to his tally.
The Wolves, in a brave bid to get their first BBL Championship win, were led in scoring by Harry Disy, who played hard for his 20 points, and the two Lithuanian guards, Evaldas Zabas and Vidmantas Uzkuraitis, who notched 19 and 15 points respectively.
Tigers Assistant Coach Henry Mooney commented on the game: 'I thought we played well in spells tonight, but we didn't defend or rebound well enough. They (the Wolves) were very aggressive in this area, and this showed by the fact that they out-rebounded us 51-45. We scraped a win, and any win is better than no win at all. We are currently in a transition period, with Steven Rush having only arrived this morning. A full week of practise will help us integrate him into the team, and I'm sure that Tony (Garbelotto, Head Coach), will address the rebounding and defensive issues in the week.'
PATERNOSTRO SLAMS RIDERS' PERFORMANCES |
Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders chief Rob Paternostro is calling on his side to 'bounce back' from the early setback of losing two out of two games last weekend, as they visit the Worthing Thunder on Saturday evening. The East Midlands franchise will want to put last weekend behind them, as they lost, albeit without the suspended Tack Minor, to Marshall MK Lions (67-89) and then went down 85-82 to PAWS London Capital the next day.
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Paternostro slammed his team's performance last weekend, and is eager to see how his players will respond: 'I think everyone in our camp needs to take a long look at themselves and figure out the areas where we have to improve' he said: 'It's a challenge for us to bounce back in this weekend's game. From the minute we get on the bus Saturday we have to have a professional mindset, and I will be very, very interested in how our players react.'
Meanwhile, the Airwaves Plymouth Raiders and the Marshall MK Lions go head to head on Saturday evening, and after a double winning weekend last weekend, Lions' Head Coach Vince Macaulay is under no illusions, despite them having a small core of players, about the threat that the Raiders pose.
He said: 'Right now, we are still very much in pre-season training as we have only had a handful of sessions with EJ (Harrison). Whilst I know that (Eric) Flato and (Florentino) Valencia have been putting up some nice numbers for Plymouth, we just want to get better ourselves.'
Saturday will also see a buoyant Guildford Heat side, who after a defeat in the BBL Cup to the Lions, went on to beat the Newcastle Eagles 102-98 in overtime on Saturday evening, face the Everton Tigers, who are looking to get back to winning ways after two defeats last weekend.
The Worcester Wolves, after a 78-71 Cup victory over the Essex Pirates, will be looking to get their first league victory, as they welcome PAWS London Capital to Worcester University on Saturday evening.
The Wolves have it tough this weekend, as they expect a backlash from the Tigers, who also lost both games last weekend, when they travel the Greenbank Sports Academy on Friday. And, in probably the game of the weekend, Sheffield Sharks player-coach Atiba Lyons' is looking to measure his side against last year's championship winning Newcastle Eagles, when the Tyneside club visit the Steel City, also on Friday.
SHARKS V EAGLES
WHO WILL MUM BE SUPPORTING? FIND OUT HERE
SHEFFIELD SHARKS TOP THE BBL - 4 & 1 |
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Atiba Lyons' Sheffield Sharks team managed to grab two wins on the third weekend of BBL Championship games, against the Cheshire Jets at home on Friday evening, and PAWS London Capital on Saturday evening at the Capital City Academy.
Despite the Sharks-Jets game being the only one on Friday evening, this weekend has proved once again to be a thriller, as the Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders, Glasgow Rocks, Cheshire Jets, Everton Tigers and Marshall MK Lions all came away with valuable wins under their belts.
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The Cheshire-Sharks game, which kicked off the weekend's action, was nip and tuck in the first half, until a 17-0 flurry at the start of the 3Q for the Sharks, ensured they had the upper hand, 67-44 at the end of the third.
Although BBL Veteran Shawn Myers tried his hardest to mount a comeback with an impressive 6-0 run of his own, plus an 11-5 run by the Jets towards the end, Cheshire could not eat into their visitors lead any more, and the Sharks finished 79-62 winners, lead by Mike Cook (21 points), Tafari Toney (18) and Perry Lawson (16). The Jets were led in vain by Shawn Myers with 17, Frank Phifer (12) and Steven Gayle and Colin O'Reilly (8 points each).
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The Sharks then marched on to the Capital, where they managed to dispose of London by 67 points to 78, to become the new leaders of the BBL after winning their fourth consecutive match to move two points clear of reigning champions Newcastle Eagles.
Lyons was most satisfied at the team effort he saw on court this weekend: 'It was great to get a contribution from everyone tonight, and to keep teams under eighty points, something we want to do all the time. We will now have to remain focussed if we want to keep that win tally going up.'
Elsewhere on Saturday, the Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders had a strong team showing, to romp to a 99-65 victory over BBL newcomers, the Essex Pirates. Glasgow Rocks also powered to a strong 93-87 win over the Worcester Wolves, as the Wolves look for their first win of the season under new head coach Chuck Evans.
On Sunday Cheshire Jets bouncing back from Friday night's disappointment in Sheffield, to handle the struggling Airwaves Plymouth Raiders via a 97-72 win. The result moved them into fourth position in Championship table, but was a tight encounter for three quarters, as the score read 62-52 going into the final stanza. Eight points from Chez Marks then helped the Jets to a 20 point advantage, and they comfortably closed out the game.
Everton Tigers also battled to an 85-79 win over Guildford Heat on Sunday, their first win of the season, thanks to James Jones nailing crucial triples then keeping his cool at the foul line in the closing minutes.
Rounding off the weekend's action was a competitive tie between the Marshall MK Lions and the Worthing Thunder, as the Lions eventually beat the South Coast side 90-80 in Milton Keynes. Reggie Bratton continued to announce himself to the league, with 28 points personal, but even this was not enough to overcome an MK Lions side who now sit joint sixth in the table.
EAGLES LEAD THE WAY WITH 3 AND 0 RECORD |
The Newcastle Eagles and Guildford Heat are the only two unbeaten teams in the BBL after they emerged victorious in their respective games. The Heat ran out winners against the Essex Pirates, while Cheshire Jets managed to break away from the Worcester Wolves on Sunday.
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The Heat-Pirates game was the first of the afternoon and after a tight opening period, in which the score finished 25-21, the Heat established a slightly more convincing half time lead, as they went into the locker rooms 49-42 in front.
The third quarter however, changed the game, as a 19-2 burst helped the hosts to a 75-50 third quarter lead. The Heat then dominated the fourth stanza, to secure a decisive 94-76 victory. Leading the scoring for the Heat was American Kenny Langhorne, who had 21 points, and supporting him were Mike Martin and Julius Joseph, who notched 18 points each along with 'LA' Aaron Drakeford, who scored 17.
Sunday's second game of the day was an up and down clash between the Worcester Wolves and the Cheshire Jets. Leading the Jets in this game was returnee from last season, Chez Marks, who put up 18 points, Shawn Myers was next with 17 points including an influential ten points, and then Colin O'Reilly scored a solid 16 points as he settles in this season at the Jets.
For the Wolves, Elvadas Zabas joint top scored with Harry Disy as they had 17 points each, Skouson Harker had an influential double-double of 15 points and 16 rebounds, and Chey Christie had 12 points. The teams were 25-25 at the end of the first period, as two free throws from Marks ensured that the Jets equalised, but the second quarter performance by the Jets was the difference between the two sides, as they began with an 8-2 run, and 9 points by Marks in the quarter gave them a nine point lead.
The penultimate period saw the Wolves make a 16-8 run to get within three of their opponents, 61-58, but the Jets went on a 10-4 charge to round out the quarter, expanding the deficit to 11 points going into the final quarter. The last ten minutes began with a 9-2 run by the Jets, but 10 straight points from Shawn Myers put the Wolves off their stride, as they sent Cheshire to the free throw line six times in the final two minutes, and the home side closed out the game for the win.
EAGLES AND RIDERS GO HEAD TO HEAD EARLY |
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After BBL Action began this time last week, Friday evening sees the entertainment continue, as two teams who have not lost a game yet go head to head; last season's third placed Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders travel to the Metro Radio Arena to take on the treble-winning Newcastle Eagles. Both sides had dream starts to their BBL campaigns, as the Riders powered to a 113-93 win over the Sheffield Sharks at home, and the Eagles had a decisive win over the Cheshire Jets followed by a nail biting triumph over the Glasgow Rocks.
Eagles' player-coach Fabulous Flournoy was pleased with his side's performances on the opening weekend of the season. He said: 'We are delighted to be 2-0. We played very well in parts and sluggishly in others but our defensive effort throughout was fairly consistent. All seven of our main guys scored in double figures in at least one of the games so I happy we have not compromised our team ethos which has served us so well in previous years".
Flournoy is also encouraged by how Americans Joe Chapman, and Lynard Stewart, whose season was wrecked by injury last year, are fitting into his plans. He added: 'Although some guys are carrying the usual aches and pains following the first weekend, we are currently healthy and are continuing to use practice to integrate Joe Chapman and re-integrate Lynard Stewart into our concepts. We are in the process of figuring out our identity as a team.'
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Elsewhere on Friday night, the Marshall MK Lions meet the Glasgow Rocks, with both sides having made changes in the off-season, despite retaining their nucleus. Notably, the Rocks have added 6'7'' Forward Mike Copeland and 6'3'' guard Jessie Sapp to their roster, and Lions
Head Coach Vince Macaulay feels that Sapp will be the Rocks major offensive threat. He explained: 'We know very little about the Rocks beyond their three returning players, but we are aware that Sapp will be a real offensive threat. However if we continue to play hard as we have done this weekend we will be fine.'
Worthing Thunder came flying out the blocks last weekend, as they beat the Plymouth Raiders 104-84. They had four players in double figures, and new head coach Dave Titmuss is now keen to establish key roles for everyone on the roster.
Titmuss commented: "Even though it's early in the season, I'm looking to establish key roles for everyone on our roster because I don't think 'depth' is just about having back-up, I think it's about recognising what each of our guys brings to the table and then finding a way of maximising that available talent in any given combination on court' he said 'All of the guys made positive contributions to our win against Plymouth last Saturday and we're looking to build on that this week' he added.
Thunder will face Sheffield Sharks at the EISS, Sheffield on Friday evening.
TIGERS BUILDING FOR AN EXCITING FUTURE |
Everton Tigers has announced two exciting new additions to its squad as the team readies itself for tip off in the new BBL season.
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Coach Tony Garbelotto (Pictured left) , fresh from Great Britain duty at the European championship, has signed exciting American youngster Steven Rush and British starlet Andy Thomson.
The Tigers start on the road at Leicester on Saturday 3rd October, but hope to raise the roof as they tip off their home campaign at the Echo Arena the following weekend.
Steven, 25, is heading to Merseyside from German Pro-B side Franken Hexer where he has played since January 2008. The Former North Carolina A&T college star, 5ft 11in Rush is set to bring intensity, speed and excellent offensive skills to the Tigers' squad.
Steven said: "I am very excited about joining the Everton Tigers. I know they had an impressive season last year, and I am looking forward to helping the team achieve even greater levels of success this year."
6ft 10inch Thomson, 25, is a product of Manchester Magic's youth development setup and comes to the Tigers after a stint with Spanish outfit Almeria.
The team has also confirmed it has retained Olu Babalola and James Jones to form the core of its new look squad.
Coach Garbelotto added: "The close season is always a tough time with assessing the squad and I said I wanted a younger, higher energy team this season. Stephen and Andy add this dimension and I expect great performances from them.
"With Olu Babalola and James still with us from last season we now have the core of our squad."
Tickets for the Tigers' first home game of the season at the Echo Arena on Saturday 11 October are available from www.echoarena.com or from the venue's box office on 0844 8000 400.
NEW LOOK WORTHING THUNDER OFF TO A FLYER |
New look Worthing Thunder Basketball Club got their 9/10 BBL campaign off to a winning start with a comprehensive 104-84 victory over the Plymouth Raiders.
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Although the game was close for the first three quarters, a 12-0 run as part of a 23-6 start to the final quarter allowed Thunder to pull away and secure the win in Coach Dave Titmuss' first competitive game in charge.
Close season signing Pepe Zafirov led Thunder with 22 points and was well supported by fellow newcomers Ville Makalainen (19) Reggie Bratton (18) and Sherrad Prezzie-Blue (18). Prezzie-Blue connected with all six of his three point attempts and had 4 assists.
Further new arrival Kadiri Richard made a dramatic start to his Thunder career, making all six field goal attempts for twelve points and blocking an impressive five shots. For the visitors, captain Allister Gall led all scorers with 25 points but only really found support from fellow guard Eric Flato (19).
Thunder have a tough double header weekend ahead, with a trip to Yorkshire to play the Sheffield Sharks on Friday evening followed by the visit of the Glasgow Rocks to the Worthing Leisure Centre on Saturday - tip off at 7pm.
ROCKS SIGN STERLING DAVIS TO 2 YEAR DEAL |
Rocks Player/Coach Sterling Davis has signed a new contract with the club, keeping him at the helm for a further two seasons.
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Davis has just concluded his second year in charge of the Kelvin Hall side and his second in the role of player/coach.
Davis had this to say on resigning with Scotlands only professional basketball team, "I am very excited to have re-signed with the Rocks organisation for a further two seasons. I have developed some good relationships within the organisation and am looking forward to continuing my role here and helping to take the organisation forward. My priority is to turn things around on the court and make things move in the right direction."
The signing will see Davis in charge for the entirety of the Rocks Kelvin Hall tenure ahead of their relocation to Scotland's new National Indoor Sports Arena due for competition 2011.
American born Davis, 31, is a BBL veteran having played 2 seasons with Brighton Bears, one with London Towers, two with Sheffield Sharks, and three with the Rocks; the first as a player before taking over as player/coach in 2007.
dAVIS has also played professionally with Giessen 46ers in Germany, Oklahoma Storm in America and Aguada Montevideo in Uraguay.
For the Rocks, Director Ian Reid said, "This is the first step in a rebuilding process which will see significant changes in the playing roster going forward. These are challenging times for those involved in professional sport at all levels and if we are to compete with the best we need to ensure that Coach Davis has a budget to support our ambitions."
He continued, "Easily said, less easily accomplished, but it's up to us all at the Rocks to work harder and work smarter both on and off the court. We are completely satisfied that, having served his BBL apprenticeship, Sterling Davis is the right man for the job."
Coach Davis will now begin the process of building his team for the upcoming season. The Rocks 2009- 10 campaign will begin in late September with fixtures to be announced in July.
REFEREE 19 - IAN POLLARD LOSES HIS BATTLE |
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IAN POLLARD RIP
British Basketball is once again in mourning following the death of one of our most popular referees, Ian Pollard who passed away on Thursday evening following a long illness.
Ian Pollard began his BBL refereeing career back in 1997. He quickly established himself as a leading referee in the UK Basketball scene, officiating at 369 national league games including numerous major finals. His fine work was recognised by FIBA, the world governing body, when he obtained his FIBA Licence in 2002 and he has officiated in over 50 FIBA games.
As a mark of respect 'One Minute’s Applause' was held at Friday's game at the EISS and at other games on Friday night. This will also take place at other BBL games this weekend in celebration of the life of Ian Pollard.
SHEFFIELD HATTERS WIN DIVISION 1 TITLE |
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Sarah Naylor led all scorers with 25 for the hatters, while Jacinda Lambert had 18 and Katie Crowley 15.
Jill Glessner led Nottingham with 23 and Hannah Shaw added 19.
The Hatters opened a 24-13 lead before outscoring the visitors 21-11 to lead 45-24 at half-time. A 23-8 third period ended the game as a contest before Hatters celebrated their title with a 25-7 final period. Naylor again led her team, with 32, while Gandy added 16. Bofenda (10), Thompson (9), and Charles (7) led the Barking scoring as they saw their playoff hopes end.
Hatters’ title rivals UWIC Archers went into the weekend knowing that they had to win their back-to-back games against London Mets and hope that Hatters lost both of their games to win their first championship.
It was not to be.
NEW NAMES CONFIRMED FOR 2009 PWC |
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Britain’s triumphant Paralympic cycling team, who brought home a phenomenal medal haul of 17 gold and three silver medals from Beijing, will be well represented in Manchester with the announcement today that nine of the team will compete at the 2009 BT Paralympic World Cup.
GO TO THE PARALYMPIC WORLD CUP FRONT PAGE
EAGLES NOW SIX POINTS AHEAD |
The race for the Championship and the play-off positions is becoming more and more exciting as the end of the season beckons and important victories for the Sheffield Sharks, Marshall MK Lions and Newcastle Eagles meant that they kept up their respective pushes for those postseason places.
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The Eagles' victory over the Cheshire Jets at the Metro Radio Arena means that the Eagles have now opened a six point lead over the Everton Tigers at the top of the BBL Championship table.
The home side broke the game open in the second quarter with a 16-5 tear to take the score out to 42-27 and never relinquished the lead from that point.
The Sheffield Sharks picked up the result of the night as they defeated the Airwaves Plymouth Raiders 96- 73 at the EISS. This result, coupled with the BiG Storage Cheshire Jets' 93-76 defeat to the Newcastle Eagles, meant that the Sharks and Jets are neck and neck for the final play-off position.
The Sharks enjoyed an impressive third quarter outscoring their opponents 27-10 to lead 69-43 going into the final stanza and enjoyed their biggest lead at 71-43 midway through the final period.
In the night's other game, the Marshall MK Lions kept hold of seventh place in the table thanks to a comfortable 90-65 victory over the PAWS London Capital.
The visitors kept themselves in the game throughout the first half, but Lions runs of 12-2 and 13-3 in the 3rd period saw the home side take the score to 70-48 going into the final stanza.
GREAT BRITAIN TAKE OVER O2 ... AGAIN |
BRITISH BASKETBALL TO HOST
INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT AT THE O2
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British Basketball will host its first ever tournament, 'Game On' at The O2 from August 14-16, as part of the Great Britain men's preparations for EuroBasket 2009 .
The three-day tournament will see Great Britain take on Israel, whom they beat in the qualifying group last summer, Turkey and Slovenia, whom they will open their EuroBasket campaign against in Poland this September.
It will be the second time Britain play at The O2 after they became the first British representatives at a 2012 venue in the London Olympiad last year, when they played, and beat, the Czech Republic in their opening EuroBasket home game.
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And head coach Chris Finch, pictured left, believes it is imperative to not only be hosting the tournament but also to gain an Olympic advantage.
"We just feel we need to play as many games at The O2 as possible in the run up to 2012," said Finch.
"We don't have a 'home' but we feel like it's home to us even though we have only played one game there. That was a great game and great atmosphere last year and it really set us up well for the next two home games.
"Being able to stage this tournament really shows the growth of the programme and that symbollicaly we are in a good position.
"It has been a long time since GB, or any of the host nations, has been able to host such a high calibre tournament.
"Slovenia are an Olympic standard team and Turkey are probably the dark horses for Poland while we know from last year that Israel are a tough side." Game On At The O2 will be a mix of international passion and pride with the glamour of several NBA stars including Chicago Bulls' Ben Gordon, who could suit up for GB for the first time alongside his Bulls captain Luol Deng, pictured below.
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"It meant a lot playing at The O2 arena in front of our fans. It's always a great feeling to put on the GB jersey and represent our nation in a sport that we all love playing," said 23-year-old Deng.
"I'll always be grateful for the opportunities this country and the sport of basketball has given me over the years and that always gives me an extra sense of pride when I step out on the floor before games. The O2 also provides our fans an opportunity to come out and watch us play right here in London.
"The tournament gives us a chance to go up against very talented and well organised teams in Europe. Also based on last summer's experience, I believe it will be a very exciting and fun weekend of basketball for all the teams that will be taking part. It's also the perfect opportunity for all basketball fans to get behind the GB team and support us all the way."
Other current affiliated internationals in the NBA include Brits Luol Deng (Chicago Bulls) and Pops Mensah-Bonsu (Toronto Raptors) as well as Turks Hedo Turkoglu (Orlando Magic) and Mehmet Okur (Utah Jazz). Slovenia boast four NBA internationals; Sasha Vujacic (LA Lakers), Goran Dragic (Phoenix Suns), Beno Udrih (Sacremento Kings) and Radoslav Nesterovic (Toronto Raptors).
Tickets go on sale March 17 online at gameongb.com or via the ticket hotline on 0844 856 0202.
For more information please go to www.gameongb.com
PISTORIUS CONFIRMED FOR BT |
Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius has today confirmed he will compete at the BT Paralympic World Cup in Manchester, after recovering from a boating accident in South Africa.
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The BT Ambassador has made a brave recovery after sustaining facial injuries in an accident on the Vaal River, south of Johannesburg on 21 February.
Oscar, known as the “Blade Runner”, won the T44 100m, 200m and 400m in Beijing and will compete in the 100m and 400m at the Manchester Regional Arena on Sunday 24 May and says he is delighted to be back in UK.
“I am recovering very well from the accident. Better than anticipated. If everything keeps on going at this rate and with His will on my side, I will be at full strength at the BT Paralympic World Cup. This competition is vital in my preparation and it gives me that vital indication as to where I am lying in my season and my ranking amongst other top athletes.” said the 22-year-old.
BT Group Marketing and Brand Director Suzi Williams said, “Oscar’s courage and determination are truly inspirational. We are delighted that he’s getting back to full strength and we are looking forward to welcoming him to Manchester to compete at the BT Paralympic World Cup in May.”
Having been cleared by the Court of Arbitration for Sport last year to compete in IAAF able-bodied events, Oscar narrowly missed qualifying for the Olympic Games but won three gold medals in Beijing to add to his 400m title in Athens in 2004.
The BT Paralympic World Cup is the first major multi-sport elite disability event to be staged since the Beijing Paralympic Games and major international stars and a strong British contingent are expected.
The competition will be staged in Manchester from 20-25 May, with over 400 competitors from over 31 countries scheduled to compete.
BT PARALYMPIC WORLD CUP SQUADS ANNOUNCED |
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Four of the top five teams in the world will contest the men’s wheelchair basketball event at the 2009 BT Paralympic World Cup, with Paralympic champions Australia and bronze medallists Great Britain today confirmed for the competition.
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USA, who finished fourth in Beijing and Germany, who placed fifth, complete the quartet of teams who have set the stage for a thrilling competition in Manchester.
Great Britain had a fantastic event in Beijing to beat the USA to third place and coach Murray Treseder is looking forward to the event in May, where some of the developmental squad will have the chance to compete:
“The BT Paralympic World Cup is a great event and this year four of the top five teams in the world are competing, which makes it very elite.”
The ex-Australian head coach continued: “Australia is now the benchmark and we are excited about exposing the younger emerging athletes to play against the best in the world.”
Justin Eveson, who was part of the Australian team who beat Canada to win gold in Beijing, hopes this will be the year his team win the title that has so far eluded them: “This year we are looking forward to another successful tournament at the BT Paralympic World Cup. Obviously we would like to go one better this time, having finished with the silver medal three times, but if we get the process right, then a good result will come.
“As a team we are looking forward to the opportunity to continue our success in Beijing, while soaking up the atmosphere of what is always a great tournament.”
With the 2010 Wheelchair Basketball World Championships being held in Great Britain, the BT Paralympic World Cup will be a crucial stepping stone towards the event in Birmingham, as well as the Paralympic Games in London in 2012.
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International Wheelchair Basketball Federation President Maureen Orchard said: “IWBF is very pleased to continue to be part of the BT Paralympic World Cup. It offers an amazing opportunity for some of the best teams in the world to compete at a top level event.
In the women’s competition, the 2008 BT Paralympic World Cup champions Netherlands take on silver medallists China, with bronze medallists Great Britain and Mexico, who won the title in 2006, completing the line-up.
Great Britain’s Caroline Matthews, competing in her fifth consecutive event, said: “The BT Paralympic World Cup is one of my favourite events and we will be aiming to do our best and give it 110 per cent on the court. It’s so important for us to gain as much international experience as we can in order to become better players and a better team.”
The BT Paralympic World Cup is the first major multi-sport elite disability event to be staged since the Beijing Paralympic Games and major international stars and a strong British contingent are expected.
The competition will be staged in Manchester from 20-25 May, with over 400 competitors from over 31 countries scheduled to compete.
Athletes will compete in four sports at world class competition venues in Manchester: wheelchair basketball and athletics hosted at the Manchester Regional Arena, swimming at the Manchester Aquatics Centre and track cycling at the Manchester Velodrome.
Tickets for the BT Paralympic World Cup are now on sale and can be purchased via the event website: www.btparalympicworldcup.com or the ParalympicsGB website: www.paralympics.org.uk or by calling 0844 8471622. Tickets cost £3 per session.
HEAT DESTROY RAIDERS IN FIRST LEG |
2009 BBL TROPHY - SEMI FINAL FIRST LEG
Airwaves Plymouth Raiders 76 (21,37,57) (Lasker 25, Moore 14, Beckles 9)
Guildford Heat 97 (20,46,76) (Howell 30, Harrison 21, Metcalfe/McKnight 12)
It is advantage Guildford Heat as the Surrey club built up a vital 21 point lead over Airwaves Plymouth Raiders in the first leg of their BBL Trophy semi-final as the visitors took the match 76-97 at the Pavilions.
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Heat began the match in confident fashion scoring the first six points before Gaylon Moore put the home side on the board.
A 19-6 run by Raiders gave them a seven point lead, which had been trimmed to just one (21-20) thanks to threes by Keonta Howell and EJ Harrison at the end of the first quarter.
Heat continued to take the match to Raiders in the second quarter. A 10-2 run gave the visitors a 23-30 lead and by half time Guildford were well on top holding a nine point advantage at 37-46 thanks to Alan Metcalfe's eight second quarter points.
A three point barrage greeted Raiders after the interval. Long range attempts connected from Daniel Sandell, Dean Williams, EJ Harrison and three from Keonta Howell as Heat broke open the match in spectacular fashion.
Raiders had closed to 45-49 before Heat unleashed their bombardment to move ahead by as many as 21 (55-76) before settling for a 57-76 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Heat locked down on defence in the final period as they allowed Raiders to get no closer than 15 (76-91) before finishing the match on a 6-0 burst to give themselves a healthy advantage for the second leg.
MAGIC GO FOR 3 NAT CUPS IN A ROW |
Manchester Magic coach Jeff Jones is expecting a tough game when his side try to become the first team for over 20 years to complete a hat-trick of National Cup successes.
